Classic Caesar Salad Dressing with Anchovy and Parmesan
Elevate your salad game with this rich and creamy Classic Caesar Salad Dressing. Combining savory anchovy fillets, zesty lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dressing brings a perfect balance of flavors to your crisp romaine lettuce. Perfect for family dinners or impressive gatherings, this recipe not only enhances your salads but can also serve as a delightful dip for veggies or a spread for sandwiches. Whip it up easily and enjoy a restaurant-quality taste at home!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
anchovy fillets
4 (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (from one small lemon)
Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
hot sauce
3 dashes (like Tabasco)
Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
egg yolks
2 (none)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3-1/2 cup (or canola oil)
romaine lettuce
2 heads (inner leaves washed and dried)
freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (or romano cheese)
croutons
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large wooden bowl, use a wooden spoon to mash the chopped garlic cloves with the salt until it forms a fine paste.
2
Stir in the egg yolks and Dijon mustard, combining well to create a smooth mixture.
3
Add the anchovy fillets to the bowl and grind them into the garlic mixture until thoroughly blended.
4
Pour in the fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce, and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix until well incorporated.
5
Gradually whisk in the olive oil or canola oil, continuing until the dressing becomes creamy and emulsified.
6
Add the cleaned and dried romaine lettuce to the bowl and gently toss until each leaf is evenly coated with the dressing.
7
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan (or Romano) cheese generously over the salad and toss again to distribute.
8
Finish with croutons on top for added crunch and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main recipe for this dish?
The recipe is for a Classic Caesar Salad Dressing with Anchovy and Parmesan.
How many servings does this Caesar salad recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the dressing?
The main ingredients include garlic cloves, anchovy fillets, egg yolks, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 chopped garlic cloves.
What type of bowl is recommended for mixing the dressing?
A large wooden bowl is recommended for mashing the garlic and mixing the ingredients.
How do I prepare the garlic for the dressing?
You should mash the chopped garlic with salt using a wooden spoon until it forms a fine paste.
How many anchovy fillets are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 anchovy fillets.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use freshly grated Romano cheese as an alternative to Parmesan.
What kind of oil should be used?
You can use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil or canola oil.
What is the purpose of the egg yolks in this dressing?
The egg yolks are combined with Dijon mustard to create a smooth, creamy base for the dressing.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, which is typically from one small lemon.
Is there any spice added to the dressing?
Yes, the recipe includes 3 dashes of hot sauce, such as Tabasco.
How much Worcestershire sauce is included?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
What type of lettuce is best for this Caesar salad?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 heads of romaine lettuce, specifically the inner leaves.
How should the lettuce be prepared before tossing?
The romaine lettuce leaves should be washed and thoroughly dried.
How do I ensure the dressing is creamy and emulsified?
Gradually whisk in the olive oil or canola oil until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
When should I add the croutons?
Croutons should be added at the very end as a garnish for added crunch.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are a total of 13 ingredients in this recipe.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Can this dressing be used for other dishes?
Yes, it can serve as a delightful dip for vegetables or a spread for sandwiches.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, it is best to serve the salad immediately after tossing for the best flavor and texture.
How do I incorporate the anchovies?
The anchovies are added to the bowl and ground into the garlic paste until thoroughly blended.
How much Dijon mustard is required?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is mashing the chopped garlic and salt together in a large wooden bowl.
How much Parmesan cheese should be added to the salad?
You should add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What technique is used to coat the lettuce?
Gently toss the lettuce in the bowl until each leaf is evenly coated with the dressing.
What is the texture of the finished dressing?
The dressing should be rich, creamy, and emulsified.
Is this a restaurant-quality recipe?
Yes, the description notes it provides a restaurant-quality taste at home.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include caesar salad dressing, italian cuisine, easy recipes, and homemade dressing.